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Porcupine Meatballs with Rice

Delicious Porcupine Meatballs with Rice in Savory Sauce

Try these comforting Porcupine Meatballs with Rice, a cozy meal featuring beef and rice in a savory tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 cup Long Grain Rice Jasmine or Basmati rice if preferred
  • 1 cup Hot Water For soaking rice
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (80/20) Ground lamb or pork can be used
  • 1 medium Finely Diced Yellow Onion Shallots can be used for milder taste
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be substituted
  • 2 tbsp Dry Parsley Or fresh parsley if available
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Optional for heat
For the Sauce
  • 1 can (15-ounce) Canned Diced Tomatoes Fresh diced tomatoes can also be used
  • 1 can (15-ounce) Tomato Sauce Stick to this for classic flavor
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Finely diced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce is a suitable alternative
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Can be replaced with honey or omitted
  • 1/2 tsp Celery Seed Omit if unavailable
  • 1 tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley For garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Soak the Rice: In a medium bowl, combine long grain rice with hot water and let it soak for 20–25 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix soaked rice (drained), ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, black pepper, salt, and cayenne for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 10 large meatballs and place them in a baking dish.
  5. Make the Sauce: Whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, flour mixed with some water, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, celery seed, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Bake the Meatballs: Pour the sauce around the meatballs, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until browned.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Let rest for a few minutes, serve and optionally sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal on busy weeknights.

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